Milton gets update from nation's capital

One of Congressman Thomas Massie's field representatives attended the Milton City Commission on Thursday to give news updates from the nation's capital.

Stacie Rockaway, Massie's Western District field representative, told commissioners that the state representative plans to maintain three offices throughout District 4. A Northern Kentucky office will be located in Fort Mitchell and another office is located in Ashland. Rockaway said a third office might be located nearby, but plans have not been finalized.

Massie, a freshman representative, serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Oversight and Government Reform, and Science, Space and Technology committees.

Rockaway said Massie was pleased to be appointed to the Transportation committee because of the river and locks within his district.

Rockaway said that even though Massie is opposed to federal grants because of excessive federal spending, the representative will help with letters of support for projects and grants that have already been budgeted for the upcoming year.

Also during the meeting, Milton Fire Chief Jason Long said that the fire department had assisted on more EMS runs during 2013.

"We're starting to run on a lot more of those," he said, noting a reduction in EMS responders.

Milton Mayor Denny Jackson, Long and the commissioners also discussed what is considered an illegal burn in the city.

"Basically, you can't burn anything but tree limbs," Long said.

A more comprehensive list and information on illegal burning is located at the Milton Municipal Building.

In other business:

 Commissioners discussed leasing city property near the park. The 10-acre property has been leased on a year-to-year basis, and commissioners agreed to continue to do so.

The city plans to begin accepting bids to lease the property immediately.

 Commissioners also discussed a possible grant for the community garden project. Commissioners recommended that the grant be discussed with project organizers to see if they want to pursue it.

 Commissioner Jerry Harmon asked about U.S. 421 near the bridge work. He wanted to know whether the roadway would be fixed with all of the additional traffic from the temporary ramps.

"They promised me they would put it back the way it was," Jackson said.